…I did not have the time
I was recently reminded of a quote by French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal. He said “I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time.” The fact that this quote (or variations of it) are attributed to a number of different people speaks to the significance of what it is saying.
This seemingly counter-intuitive statement really emphasizes a key element of communication. When presenting a concept, an idea, or just your opinion, succinctness is important. This isn’t about brevity for the sake of brevity. It doesn’t mean you cannot express yourself eloquently. It just means that you maintain your focus on the core concept. You neither let yourself wander off into tangential areas nor let your writing distract the reader.
I believe photography is a form of communication. Therefore, this concept is just as important for photography as it is for written and oral communication.
It’s Not Easy
Staying “on message” and getting to the point is not always easy. I struggle with this constantly. Random thoughts are too tempting. It takes practice, lots of practice. It takes discipline. We need to make it a good habit. It all starts with appreciating the need for this. Most importantly, it requires a willingness to at least make an effort.
The Implications For Photography
Our “message” in our photographic communication is the composition and what it conveys about the subject. The subject of the photo is clear to us, as the photographer. However, that doesn’t mean it is clear to our viewers. Secondary subjects often distract from the primary subject. As a result, the subject is deprived of the emphasis it deserves.
Kathy Adams Clark is a local photographer who often speaks at area camera clubs. Her primary question when reviewing photos is “What am I supposed to be looking at?” If our composition and post-processing don’t provide a clear answer, our photographic communication has failed.
The key is to focus attention on the true essence of the image. Avoid and eliminate the distractions that pull attention away from the subject no matter how interesting they are in their own right. Utilize composition and post-processing techniques to only include items that support the subject or at least don’t distract from the subject.
Not Having The Time or Not Taking The Time?
There truly are times when we don’t have the time to work the composition or post-process to the extent that we would like. Sometimes, the opportunity to get the shot is very limited. There are also times when we cannot fully post-process the image because of a true deadline. These are valid instances of where we can say we did not have the time. However, I believe that for most of us, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.
So, it turns out to be a case of we “did not take” rather than “did not have” the time needed for composition and post-processing. Most often it is a choice that we make, pure and simple. Facebook and Instagram don’t impose deadlines on us. Social media deadlines are all self-imposed. Is it better to rush and publish a mediocre snapshot today or take the time to publish a good photograph tomorrow? Accordingly, we have to recognize the importance of that decision. So, choose wisely. Doing so, you and your viewers will be happier for that wise decision.
A Final Thought
I hope you find this post enjoyable and thought-provoking. In closing, I’ll just say that I would have written a shorter post but I did not have the time.
Leave A Comment And Share
How do you remember to take the time to communicate your vision in your photography? I’d love to hear your comments and feedback. Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
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